Ephesians 1 Lesson

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

Unlike Galatians and Corinthians, Ephesians was not written to address a specific concern or concerns within the church. 

Instead, it was written to emphasize the precious gifts that we receive when we become Christians. 

The moment that we become believers in and followers of Jesus, we become children of God (Galatians 3:26). 

That is the most precious gift that we will ever receive!

The Bible teaches us that Jesus went to prepare a place for us in heaven (John 14:3).  A place so beautiful that our human brains cannot imagine what it will look like.  A place with no pain, no tears, and no death. 

Yes, being a child of God is the greatest gift there is to give.  And God will give it to those of us that believe in Jesus and commit to following Him. 

At the time that Paul wrote Ephesians, Ephesus was considered the foremost of the Asian churches.  It was the commercial and religious center of Asia Minor.  Paul was familiar with the people living in Ephesus, having previously spent three years there in ministry.

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S EPISTLES

Ephesians was written in approximately 60-61 AD, while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.  It is the seventh of thirteen epistles written by Paul.   A chronological listing of Paul’s epistles is provided below along with the year of authorship.

1. Galatians 49 AD,
2. 1 Thessalonians51 AD,
3. 2 Thessalonians51 AD,
4. 1 Corinthians 56 AD,
5. 2 Corinthians56 AD,
6. Romans 1 57 AD,
7. Ephesians60-61 AD (During 1st imprisonment under house arrest),
8. Colossians60-61 AD (During 1st imprisonment under house arrest),
9. Philemon 60-61 AD (During 1st imprisonment under house arrest),
10. Philippians62 AD (During 1st imprisonment under house arrest),
11. 1 Timothy 62-63 AD,
12. Titus63 AD,
13. 2 Timothy 67 AD (During 2nd imprisonment in Rome).

**Dates are approximations based on the consensus of theologians and historical records.

PREDESTINED TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

There are two scriptures that we will focus on for today’s study, and then the lesson will be yours:

1. “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” – Ephesians 1:5,
2. “You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” – Ephesians 1:13-14.

To be predestined means:

• “Determined in advance by divine will or fate.” (Source: Google Dictionary)

Before we were born, God had chosen a group of people that He knew were going to have tender hearts and a desire to follow His Son. 

This select group of chosen people enjoys the privilege of being children of God! 

GOD BLESSES HIS CHILDREN WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS

And as children of God, those that were chosen receive precious gifts, none more important than the Holy Spirit!

It is important for us to understand that the Holy Spirit is not an “It,” the Holy Spirit is a “He.” 

Consider the following four points about the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit was sent from God to help us,
2. We receive the Holy Spirit when we repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38),
3. There is a special relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  They are always in agreement and never contradict one another,
4. The Holy Spirit helps us through feelings and not words. The feelings must always align completely with the teachings of the Bible.   If they do not, the feelings are not the result of the Holy Spirit.  

CONCLUSION 

Paul wrote his epistle to a group of believers in Ephesus. 

In his letter, he shared with them the precious gifts that those who were chosen to become children of God will receive.  The most important of these gifts is the Holy Spirit because it is the Spirit of God!

The Holy Spirit was sent to help God’s children when they commit to following His Son, repent, and are baptized.  The Holy Spirit is given as a pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14)as part of God’s overall plan for our salvation.  God knew that we were not strong enough to make it on our own, so He sent His Helper. 

We will conclude today’s study with the following words written by The Apostle Paul:

• “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” – Ephesians 1:18-19.